In Tien-tsin, as in other parts of the Chinese 
empire, the beggars divide themselves into three 
or four very distinct classes. There is, first, the 
able-bodied, without any apparent physical deform- 
ity, who could work if they liked, but who prefer 
to gain a livelihood by begging. These have a 
proverb which says, “ The finest rice has not 
charms equal to a roving liberty.” 
Many of these appear to be very low in the scale 
of humanity, very cunning, weak-minded, or almost 
Chap. XX. STREET BEGGARS. 329 
shopkeepers, during an attack of this kind, sitting 
calm and quiet, and pretending not to see or hear 
what is going on. 
